Ó Ríordáin criticises Harris for “disgraceful” and “populist” immigration comments

Labour’s MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP dubbed Tánaiste Simon Harris’ comments on immigration as “disgraceful.”

In an interview with RTÉ on Wednesday, Harris stated that immigration numbers to Ireland are “too high” and that the government should reconsider its stance on immigration.

Harris was quoted as saying “our migration numbers are too high, and I think that is really an issue that needs to be considered in a very serious way by the government.”

“One of the reasons I think they are so high is that there are too many people who come to this country and are told they do not have a right to be here, and it is taking too long for them to leave the country.”

Ó Ríordáin remarked that the government cannot continue to say “immigration is a good thing” while simultaneously “engaging in dangerous dog-whistling that stokes division and fear.”

The Labour MEP said that Harris’ remarks are “disgraceful and extremely dangerous.”

“Political leaders have a responsibility to choose their words carefully. When the Tánaiste says ‘numbers are too high’, it sends a message that the Government itself is buying into divisive rhetoric. It is reckless, harmful, and beneath the office he holds.”

The Northsider commented, “it has only been a week since a racist riot attacked Gardaí on the streets of Dublin. In that context, this kind of populist outburst from the Tánaiste is not just irresponsible – it is pandering to the lowest common denominator.”

“For months, I have been calling on the government to introduce a public awareness campaign on immigration – to tell the real story about why people come to Ireland, the contribution they make to our economy and society, and the international obligations we have as a country built on migration ourselves. That campaign must also tackle the misinformation that has been allowed to spread for months, unchecked, across communities and online. There has been no sign of it.

Ó Ríordáin said, “the reality is that migration is essential for our public services, our economy, and our communities. Migrant workers keep our hospitals running, our food produced, and our homes built. It is not good enough to issue statements saying that ‘immigration is good’ while adopting language that undermines that message. People hear the dog-whistle – and it has real-world consequences for those who have made Ireland their home.”